Nong Suchart Saekwang (สุชาติ แซ่ว่าง)

Nong Suchart was abandoned recently born, left by his mum on the dirty ground of his Hmong village (in Phrob Pra district, Tak province). Rumors are that his mum left for China, but knowing where she really is now is impossible. The only sure thing is that Suchart - without even a name or birth certificate - was abandoned to his own destiny.

In a way, he was lucky since an old Hmong lady, who now is his custodian/ "step grandmother", decided to take care of him; unfortunately she is very poor herself, and for the first years of Suchart life, he was often left unfed and dirty. A young girl from the same village, Nong Malí, noticed him and immediately got worried for his life. She therefore decided to ask Nong Suchart custodian to bring him to the rural-school Buddha Kasettra, where she was studying as well, where he could have received food and education. The travel from the village to Khun Yoam, where the school is, is a long travel of approximately 400 km, and 10 hours road trip; but it is a worth journey. Suchart started a new life; the Buddha Kasettra students and teachers became like a family for him. Thanks to the active work of the teachers he also managed to receive an identity card (which he did not have until then), although of the "0" type, indicating the persons without citizenship in Thailand. In 2010 Khun Primas, one of the teachers at the school, said: "Nong Suchart is not the smartest kid of the school, but he is well-behaved and kind"

ChuayDek visited Nong Suchart village in April 2012 (see photostory) and unfortunately found out that his "grand mother" might move him from the Buddha Kasettra School to another school, closer to his village, but with 1000 kids. With so many children Suchart would not be followed with care from the teachers and would with high probability be left out. He will also, once again, face the risk of not being fed properly. Fortunately Malì, who already rescued him few years ago, will talk again with Suchart custodian to explain her all the risks related to move Suchart away from the Buddha Kasettra (not last, the potential loose of his identity card), and the pros of letting him study there.

The first 10 years of Suchart life have been difficult, but Mali, the teachers of the Buddha Kasettra School and ChuayDek are there to support him - will you walk with us?